o The sixth century B.C. marked a period of Second Urbanisation and religions upheaval.

Great thinkers
like Buddha, Mahavira, Heraclitus (535-475 BC), Confucius (551-479 BC), and Lao Tzu (Died-533 BC)
lived and preached their ideas in this century.
o In India, the republican institutions were strong in the 6th century B.C. which enabled rise of heterodox
sects against the orthodox religion dominated by rites and rituals. Among them the most successful
were Jainism and Buddhism, whose impact on the Indian society was remarkable.

Jainism
o Jainism is an ancient religion that is rooted in the philosophy that teaches the
way to liberation and a path to spiritual purity and enlightenment through
disciplined nonviolence to all living creatures. However Jainism originated
centuries before Buddhism, but revived by Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankar of
Jainism.
Jainism Originate
o Jainism came to prominence in the 6th century B.C., when Lord Mahavira propagated the religion.
o There were 24 great teachers, the last of whom was Lord Mahavira.
o These twenty-four teachers were called Tirthankaras-people who had attained all knowledge
(Moksha) while living and preached it to the people.
o There are 24 Tirthankaras of Jainism. The 1st Tirthankara was Rishabhdev, 23rd Trithankara was
Parshvanatha, and 24th (Last) Tirthankara was Mahavira.
o The word ‘Jain’ is derived from jina or jaina which means the ‘Conqueror’.
o Tirthankara: A Tirtha is a religious pilgrim place. A Tirthankara is a founder of a Tirtha. He achieves the
enlightment and then shows the path to others. A Tirthankar achieves Moksha or liberation at the end
of his human life. In Jainism, both the clergy and laymen had to strictly follow the doctrine of ahimsa.
o Even the practice of agriculture was considered sinful as it causes injury to the earth, worms and
animals. Similarly the doctrine of asceticism and renunciation was also carried to extreme by the
practice of starvation, nudity and other forms of self-torture.
Vardhamana Mahavira (540- 468 B.C.)
o Vardhamana Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of the Jain tradition, was born in 540 B.C. at
Kundagrama near Vaishali to Kshatriya parents Siddhartha (Chief of famous kshatriya clan
Jnatrika) and Trisala (Sister of Lichchhavi Chief Chetaka): (Chetaka’s daughter was married to
Bimbisara).
o Vardhmana married Yasoda and gave birth to a daughter named Priydarshana (Got married to Zamali
who was the first disciple of Mahavirara).
o At the age of thirty he became an ascetic and wandered for twelve years. In the 13th year of his
penance, he attained the highest spiritual knowledge called Kaivalya (Juan). Thereafter, he was
called Mahavira and Jina. His followers were called Jains and his religion Jainism.
o He preached his doctrines for 30 years and died at the age of 72 at Pava near Rajagriha.
o A symbol was associated with every Tirthankara and Mahavira’s symbol was a lion.
o His missions took him Koshala, Magadha, Mithila, Champa etc
o He passed away at the age of 72 in 468 B.C. at the Pavapuri in Bihar.
Cause of Origin
o Hinduism had become rigid and orthodox with complex rituals and dominance of Brahmins.
o The Varna system divided the society into 4 classes based on birth, where the two higher classes
enjoyed several privileges.
o Kshatriya's reaction against the domination of the brahmanas.
o Spread of the new agricultural economy in the north-eastern India due to the use of iron tools.
Doctrine of Jainism
o The Jaina doctrine is much older than Buddhism and it is accepted that in each half cycle of time there
are total 24 Tirthankaras. It is rather interesting to note that the Jaina conception of time is divided
into endless sequence of progressive (utsarpinis) and regressive half cycles (avasarpinis) in terms of
degree of happiness. These vast spans of time are further divided into 6 kalas (stages).
o The first founder Tirthankara Rishabhadeva (symbol – bull), whose reference is also found in Rig
Veda and Vayu Purana, belongs to our current half cycle of avasarpini (i.e., a period of regressive
happiness).
o The historicity of all the Tirthankaras is not easy to establish. Neminatha belonging to Saurashtra
(Gujarat) is believed to be the 22nd Tirthankara, and the 23nd Tirthankara is believed to be
Parshvanatha (of Benaras) having the emblem of the snake. The 24th Tirthankara was Mahavira, who
had the emblem of the lion.
o The core of Jaina doctrine is expressed in the principle of Anekantavada (doctrine of manifold nature
of reality), Syadavada (the theory of conditioned predication), Nayavada (theory of partial
standpoints), Triratna (three gems), Pancha Mahavrata (five great vows), and Ahimsa (doctrine of
non-violence). Opposed to the philosophy of ekanta (one-sidedness or solitary attribute), Jaina
doctrine of Anekantavada is literally the doctrine of ‘non-onesidedness’ or ‘manifoldness’ or
‘nonabsolutism’. It is one of the basic principles of Jainism that encourages acceptance of relativism
and pluralism.
o According to this doctrine, truth and reality are perceived differently from different points of view, and
no single point of view is the complete truth. Jainas compare all attempts to proclaim absolute truth
with adhgajanyayah (the ‘maxim of the blind men and elephant’).
Teaching of Mahavira
o Rejected the authority of the Vedas and did not attach any importance to the performance of
sacrifices.
o He believed that every object, even the smallest particle, possesses a soul and is endowed with
consciousness. That is why they observe strict non-violence. (Believed in karma and the
transmigration of soul.)
o The Jains rejected the concept of a Universal Soul or a Supreme Power as the creator or Sustainer
of the universe.
o Jainism does not deny the existence of gods but refuses to give gods any important part in the
universe scheme. Gods are placed lower than the Jina.
o Attainment of salvation (moksha) by believing in penance and dying of starvation (Main
difference between Jainism and Buddhism).
o Universal brotherhood (non-belief in caste system).
Jewels of Jainism
In Jainism, three Ratnas (Triratnas) are given and they are called the way to Nirvana. They are:
o Right faith (Samyag darshana): This does not mean believing what you are told, but means seeing
(hearing, feeling, etc.) things properly, and avoiding preconceptions and superstitions that get in the
way of seeing clearly.
o Right knowledge (Samyag jnana): This means having an accurate and sufficient knowledge of the
real universe – this requires a true knowledge of the five (or six) substances and nine truths of the
universe – and having that knowledge with the right mental attitude.
o Right conduct (Samyag charitra): This means living one’s life according to Jaina ethical rules; to avoid
doing harm to living things; and freeing oneself from attachment and other impure attitudes and
thoughts.
5 Mahavratas of Jainism
o Ahimsa- The supreme religion is nonviolence. Nonviolence is the cornerstone of Jainism; no living
being, including animals, plants, and insects, has the right to damage, harm, or kill another living
being.
o Satya - In Jainism, lying has no place; one should always speak the truth, and only those who have
defeated greed, fear, jealousy, rage, ego, and frivolity are capable of doing so.
o Asteya - Jainism opposes the theft of property through unethical or immoral means. Even while taking
assistance, aid, or alms, one should not accept more than is necessary.
o Aparigraha - All attachments to objects that satisfy any of the five senses should be abandoned by
anyone seeking spiritual emancipation. "Wishes and desires have no end," Mahavira stated, "and only
the sky is their limit."
o Brahmacharya - Celibacy is the complete abstention from sensual pleasures. In Jainism, even the concept
of sensuous pleasure is forbidden.
o First four fundamental principles were given by Parshavnath & Bramacharya was later added by Mahavira.
The Concept of God in Jainism
o Jainism believes that the universe and all its substances or entities are eternal. It has no
beginning or end with respect to time. Universe runs on its own accord by its own cosmic laws.
o All the substances change or modify their forms continuously. Nothing can be destroyed or created
in the universe.
o There is no need for someone to create or manage the affairs of the universe.
o Hence Jainism does not believe in God as a creator, survivor, and destroyer of the universe.
o However Jainism does believe in God, not as a creator, but as a perfect being.
o When a person destroys all his karmas, he becomes a liberated soul. He lives in a perfect blissful
state in Moksha forever.
o The liberated soul possesses infinite knowledge, infinite vision, infinite power, and infinite bliss.
This living being is a God of Jain religion.
o Every living being has a potential to become God.
o Hence Jains do not have one God, but Jain Gods are innumerable and their number is continuously
increasing as more living beings attain liberation.
Sects of Jainism
o By the end of the fourth century B.C., there was a serious famine in the Ganges valley. Many Jain
monks led by Bhadraprabhu (Digambara) came to Sravana Belgola in Karnataka.
o Those who stayed back in North India were led by a monk named Sthulabhadra (Svetambaras)
who changed the code of conduct for the monks.
o This led to the division of Jainism into two sects Svetambaras (white-clad) and Digambaras (Sky-
clad or Naked).
(i) Svetambara
o Svetambara (white-clad) is a term describing its ascetics practice of wearing white clothes, which
sets it apart from the Digambara (sky-clad) Jainas, whose ascetic practitioners go naked.
(Svetambara, unlike Digambaras, do not believe that ascetics must practice nudity.)
o Svetambaras also believe that women are able to obtain moksha. (They maintain that the 19th
Tirthankara, Mallinath, was a woman.)
o The Svetambara tradition follows the lineage of Acharya Sthulibhadra Suri. The Kalpa Sutra
mentions some of the lineages in ancient times.
o The Svetambara monastic orders are branches of the Vrahada Order, which was founded in 937
AD. The most prominent among the classical orders today are the Kharatara (founded 1024 AD),
the Tapa (founded 1228 AD) and the Tristutik.
(ii) Digambaras
o The Digambar sect of Jainism rejects the authority of the Jain Agama compiled by Sthulabhadra.
o According to Digambar tradition, Mahavir, the last Jain tirthankara, never married. He
renounced the world at the age at thirty after taking permission of his parents.
o The Digambara believe that after attaining enlightenment, Mahavira was free from human
activities like hunger, thirst, and sleep.
o Monks in the Digambar tradition do not wear any clothes. They carry only a broom made up of
fallen peacock feathers and a water gourd.
o One of the most important scholar-monks of Digambara tradition was Acharya Kundakunda. He
authored Prakrit texts such as Samayasar and Pravachansar.
o Samantabhadra (wrote Ratnakaranda) and Siddhasena Divakara were other important monks of
this tradition.
Spread of Jainism and Royal Patronage
o Mahavira organised the Sangha to spread his teachings. He admitted both men and women in the
Sangha, which consisted of both monks and lay followers. It was accessible to people of all castes.
o The rapid spread of Jainism was due to the dedicated work of the members of the Sangha.
o It spread rapidly in Western India and Karnataka.
o Chandragupta Maurya, Kharavela of Kalinga and the royal dynasties of South India such as the
Gangas, the Kadambas, the Chalukyas and the Rashtrakutas patronized Jainism.
o King Kharvela of Orissa set up Jain rock cut cave.
o King Amoghavarsha of Rastrakuta dynasty became a Jain Monk and wrote Ratnamalika.
o The Chalukyan period rock cut caves at Badami and Aihole have the figures of Jain
Tirthankaras.
o The Dilwara Jain temples at Mount Abu were built by Chalukya Dynasty kings between 11 to
13th century.
Jain Literature
o Jain Literature is called Jain Agamas.
o They are canonical texts of Jainism based on Mahavira’s teachings.
o There are 12 Angas, 12 Upanga Agams, 6 Chedasutras, 4 Mulasutras, 10 Prakirnaka sutras and 2
Culikasutras comprise of Jain literature.
Jaina Council
o First Council was held at Patliputra under Sthulbhadra in the beginning of 3rd century BC and
resulted in the compilation of 12 Angas to replace 14 Purvas.
o Second council was held at Vallabhi in the 5th century AD (500 AD) under the leadership of
Devardhi Kshamasemana and resulted in the final compilation of 12 Angas & 12 Upangas.
Causes for the decline of Jainism in India
o Lack of Royal Patronage: The great rulers like Bimbisara, Ajatasatru, Udayin, and Kharavela had
extended royal patronage to Jainism. But later on Buddhism eclipsed Jainism. The rulers like Ashoka,
Kanishka and Harsavardhan had embraced Buddhism and worked hard to spread this religion.
o Lack of Efforts: The Jain workers lacked missionary zeal. They were not enthusiastic in spreading the
religion in villages and towns.
o Severity of Jainism: The practice of severe austerities of Jainism worked as a potent factor in
bringing about its downfall. The Jains practise rigorous asceticism and self-mortification. Mahavira
himself practiced physical hardships to realize the truth. But these severe practices were disliked by
the people and they alienated themselves from it.
o Spread of Buddhism: The rise of Buddhism worked as a powerful factor for the decline of Jainism.
Buddhism was very simple. Buddha was opposed to extreme hardship and prescribed a “Middle
Path”. Even a householder could follow it. So it posed a threat to Jainism.
o Factionalism in Jainism: The great schism which took place after the death of Mahavira was another
cause of the decline of Jainism. The followers of Bhadrabahu advocated following the teachings of
Mahavira while the followers of Sthulabhadra wanted to tone down the severity of Jainism. This rift,
led to a division among the Jainas. Now they were divided into “Digambara” and “Swetambara”. This
division weakened Jainism.
o Role of Hindu Preachers: Hinduism posed threats to Jainism. Nimbarka, Ramanuja, Sankaracharya
etc. came to make the foundation of Hinduism more solid and stronger. Rise of Vaisnavism, Saivism
and Saktism led Jainism into comparative insignificance.
Impact / Influence of Jainism in India
o The widespread practice of vegetarianism in India is mainly due to the influence of Jainism’.
o Jainism has made a significant contribution to vernacular literature, particularly Kannada’ and Gujarati
literature and in the fields of poetry, drama, grammar and mathematics.
o Jainism used Sankrit and Pali as the medium of its sacred writings. Mahavir himself preached in Ardha
Magadhi. In Tamil Seevaka Shinthamani by Thiruthakka Thevar, Nannool, a Tamil grammar by
Pavanandhi Munivar are rich literary works by the Jains.
o The contribution of the Jain to art and architecture are note worthy. The Jain temple, called Dilwara
temple, at Mount Abu in Rajasthan is famous for its art and architecture.
o The Jain temples at Khajuraho, Chittor and Ranakpur are also famous for their architecture.
Ranakpur is one of the main holy places of the Jains.
o The carvings at Udayagiri, Hathigumpha, Ellora and Girnar are good examples of Jain Art. The
huge Gomateswara statue at Sravana Belgola near Mysore is another Jain monument.
o The followers of Jainism were prohibited from pursuing certain trades and occupations such as
agriculture and warfare because of strict adherence to Ahimsa (non-injury). Therefore, they
concentrated on trade and commerce and as a result they became very prosperous.
o Hemachandra was probably the greatest Jain historian. He wrote A History of Gujarat. He compiled
two lexicons (dictionaries) and wrote his famous Prakrit grammar. He also wrote the Yoga Sutra.
How is Jainism different from Buddhism?
o Jainism recognised the existence of god while Buddhism did not.
o Jainism does not condemn the varna system while Buddhism does.
o Jainism believed in transmigration of soul i.e. reincarnation while Buddhism does not.
o Buddha prescribed the middle path while Jainism advocates his followers to even completely
discard the clothes i.e. life of austerity.
 Buddhism

o Gautam Buddha founded Buddhism and is known as Supreme Buddha.

o Buddhahood or Buddhatva is the state of perfect enlightment attained by a Buddha.
Buddhahood or Buddhatva refers to the universal and innate characteristic of absolute
wisdom.

Gautam Buddha (567-483 BC)

o Gautama or Siddhartha, the founder of Buddhism, was born in 567 B.C. in
Lumbini in Nepal near Kapilavastu. His father was Suddodhana of the Sakya
clan (Probably elected ruler of Kapilvastu) and mother Mayadevi (Princess
from Koshalan dynasty).
o As his mother died at child birth, he was brought up by his aunt Prajapati
Gautami. At the age of sixteen he married Yasodhara who gave birth to a
son, Rahul. The sight of an old man, a diseased man, a corpse and an ascetic
turned him away from worldly life.
o He left home at the age of twenty nine in search of Truth. He wandered for seven years and met
several teachers but could not get enlightenment. At last, he sat under a bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya
and did intense penance, after which he got Enlightenment (Nirvana) at the age of thirty five.
Since then, he came to be known as the Buddha or ‘the Enlightened One’.
o He delivered his first sermon at Sarnath near Varansi and for the next forty five years he led the
life of a preacher. He died at the age of eighty at Kushinara (Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh).
o He did not involve himself in controversies regarding metaphysical questions like god, soul,
karma, rebirth, etc., and concerned himself with the practical problems confronting man.
o The most important disciples of Buddha were Sariputta, Moggallanna, Ananda, Kassapa and
Upali.
o Kings like Prasenajit of Kosala, and Bimbisara and Ajatasatru of Magadha accepted his doctrines
and became his disciples.
o Buddha in his lifetime spread his message far and wide in North India and visited places like Kashi,
Rajagriha, Sravasti, Vaisali, Nalanda and Pataligrama.
o Buddha neither accepts god nor rejects the existence of god. He laid great emphasis on the law
of karma. He argued that the condition of man in this life depends upon his own deeds.
o He taught that the soul does not exist. However, he emphasized on Ahimsa.
o Even under the gravest provocation, he did not show the least anger or hatred and instead
conquered everyone by his love and compassion.
o His teachings were identical with morality and it emphasized purity of thought, word and deed.
o He was a rationalist who tried to explain things in the light of reason and not on the basis of blind
faith.
o Though he did not made a direct attack on the caste system, he was against any social
distinctions and threw open his order to all.
o Therefore, Buddhism was more a social than religious movement. He taught the code of practical
ethics and laid down the principle of social equality.
Symbols of 5 great events of Buddha’s Life:
Events of Buddha’s Life Symbols
Buddha’s Birth Lotus & Bull
The Great Departure (Mahabhinishkramana) Horse
Enlightment (Nirvana) Bodhi Tree
First Sermon (Dhammachakraparivartan) Wheel
Death (Parinirvana) Stupa

Doctrines of Buddhism
o The core of Buddha’s doctrine is expressed in the Ariya-Sachchani (Four Noble Truths), Ashtangika-
Marga (Eight-Fold Path), Middle Path, Social Code of Conduct, and Attainment of
Nibbana/Nirvana. Buddha explains that his teachings are just like a raft, which helps one to cross over
the turbulent river of Life and Suffering. Once across, we do not need to cart the raft around with us.
o In other words, Buddha urges that one should not cling to anything, including his teachings. The
teachings are only Upaya (skillful means or expedient tools) and are thus not dogma: “It is fingers
pointing at the moon and one should not confuse the finger for the moon.”
o His teachings contain three important pillars:
o Buddha – Founder/ Teacher
o Dhamma – Teachings
o Sangha – Order of Buddhist monks/nuns (who act as torch bearers of Dhamma worshippers or
Upasakas and are a major factor in the dissemination of the Buddha’s doctrine) While struggling for
Enlightenment, Buddha had discovered Dhamma/Four Noble Truths which form the central
teachings of Buddhism. The Four Noble Truths are:
(a) Four Noble Truths
Four noble truths were taught by Buddha in Dhammachakraparivartan. They are the core teachings
of Buddhism.
o Sorrow: The world is full of sorrow and everything from birth to death brings sorrows in life.
o Cause of Sorrow: The cause of sorrow is desire. It is the un-fulfillment of human desires which
leads him to the vicious cycle of births and rebirths.
o Prevention of Sorrow: It is possible to prevent sorrow. Man can get rid of sorrow by triumphing
over the desires.
o The path of Prevention of Sorrow: Man can avoid sorrow by avoiding extremes of life and
following middle path or Madhyam Patipada. The life of moderation and self control along
with pursuance of 8 fold path is essential to prevent the sorrow.
(b) Eight fold Path of Buddhism
They are also called the Middle Path and is the system of following these eight divisions of the path
to achieve spiritual enlightenment and cease suffering:
o Right Understanding: Understanding that the Four Noble Truths are noble and true.
o Right Thought: Determining and resolving to practice Buddhist faith.
o Right Speech: Avoiding slander, gossip, lying, and all forms of untrue and abusive speech.
o Right Conduct: Adhering to the idea of nonviolence (ahimsa), as well as refraining from any form
of stealing or sexual impropriety.
o Right Means of Making a Living: Not slaughtering animals or working at jobs that force you to
violate others.
o Right Mental Attitude or Effort: Avoiding negative thoughts and emotions, such as anger and
jealousy.
o Right Mindfulness; Having a clear sense of one’s mental state and bodily health and feelings.
o Right Concentration: Using meditation to reach the highest level of enlightenment.
Buddhist Literature
o Tripitaka or Three Baskets is a traditional term used for various Buddhist scriptures. It is known as Pali
Canon in English. The three pitakas are Sutta Pitaka, Vinaya Pitaka and Abhidhamma Pitaka.
o Sutta Pitaka: It contains over 10 thousand suttas or sutras related to Buddha and his close
companions. This contains the Buddha’s discourses on various doctrinal issues in dialogue form. These
texts are also known as ‘Buddhavacana’ or ‘the word of the Buddha’, as it refers to texts that are
supposed to contain what the Buddha himself said. This also deals with the first Buddhist council
which was held shortly after Buddha’s death, dated by the majority of recent scholars around
400 BC, under the patronage of king Ajatasatru with the monk Mahakasyapa presiding at Rajgir.
o Vinaya Pitaka: The subject matter of Vinay Pitaka is the monastic rules (Sangha) for monks and
nuns. It can also be called as Book of Discipline. It includes the Patimokka – a list of transgressions
against monastic discipline and atonements for these. Apart from monastic rules, the Vinaya texts also
include doctrinal expositions, ritual texts, biographical stories, and some elements of the
‘Jatakas’ or ‘birth stories’.
o Abhidhamma Pitaka: It deals with the philosophy and doctrine of Buddhism appearing in the suttas.
However, it does not contain the systematic philosophical treatises. There are 7 works of
Abhidhamma Pitaka which most scholars agree that don’t represent the words of Buddha himself.
Buddhism Council
The monks gathered 4 times after the death of Buddha and these events had their effect on growth of
Buddhism as a religion.
Council Place & Century Chairman King Major Events
First Council Rajgriha (483 BC) Mahakasapa Ajatshatru Teachings of Buddha was divided
into two Pitakas - Vinaya Pitaka
and Sutta Pitakay Upali recited the
Vinaya Pitaka and Ananda recited
the Sutta Pitaka
Second Vaishali (383 BC) Sabakami Kalasoka Followers divided into
Council Sthavirmadins and
Mahasanghikas
Third Council Pataliputra (250 Mogaliputta Ashoka Third part of the Tripitaka was
BC) Tissa coded in the Pali language
Fourth Kashmir (72 AD) Vasumitra Kanishka Buddhism divided into Mahayana
Council (Kundalvan) Vice-Chairman: and Hinayana sects
Ashwaghosha
Sects of Buddhism
o The first schism in Buddhism surfaced during the 2nd Buddhist Council at Vaishali over small points of
monastic discipline and the order broke into two sections.
o Sthaviravadins (in Pali, Theravadi) - the orthodox school or “believers in the teachings of the elders”.
o Mahasanghikas - the liberal school of “members of the great community”.
o Mahayana & Hinayana: In 3rd Buddhist Council, Ashoka suppressed the differences and heretics.
Sthaviravadins doctrines were complied.
o The another major split took place during the 4th Buddhist Council and there emerged the Mahayana (The
Great Vehicle) and Hinayana (The Lesser Vehicle) form of Buddhism - the concept of “Bodhisattva” being
the main cause.
o Both these sects agreed that Buddha had passed through many births before he was finally born as Gautama,
but to Hinayanism, it was simply a progression n the direction of attaining Nirvana through acquiring
successive merits, whereas, for Mahayanism, it was the reincarnation of Buddha to help people in attaining
Nirvana.
o The Mahayanists adopted Sanskrit in place of Pali as their language. Their earliest text is Lalitavistara Sutra.
Hinayana
o Hinayana is the orthodox, conservative schools of Buddhism.
o This sect believes that Buddha was nothing more than a human being.
o Hinayanists believe that every man must be lamp into himself and work out his own salvation and
can help another on the way to Nirvana by example and advice only.
o It don’t believe in Idol Worship and try to attain individual salvation through self discipline
and meditation.
o Pali, the language of masses was use by the Hinayana scholars.
o It is the dominant form of religion in Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Burma.
Mahayana
o Mahayana Buddhism, also knownas the Great Vehicle, is the form of Buddhism prominent in North
Asia, including China, Mongolia, Tibet, Korea, and Japan.
o This sect believes in the heavenliness of Buddha and Idol Worship. This sect believes that Buddha
had some super-human attributes.
o Fundamental principles of Mahayana doctrine were based on the possibility of universal liberation
from suffering for all beings (hence the “Great Vehicle”) and the existence of Buddhas and
Bodhisattvas embodying Buddha Nature.
o The Bodhisattva of Mahayanism was a ‘saviour’ who would help every living organism in attaining
Nirvana in an utterly unselfish manner and is willing to forgo his own Nirvana until such time as his
work is completed.
o Like Hinduism, Mahayanism also believed in a ‘suffering humanity’ and a ‘saviour’ - who reincarnated
from time to time to alleviate the miseries of the people. The last to come is ‘Matreyi’ Buddha.
o It allows salvation to be alternatively obtained through the grace of the Amitbha Buddha by
having faith and devoting oneself to mindfulness of the Buddha. This sect believes in Mantras.
Vajrayana
o Apart from Hinayana and Mahayana, there is a third vehicle, called ‘Vajrayana’ (The Vehicle of
Thunderbolt), which appeared in 8th century and grew rapidly in Bihar and Bengal.
o They did not treat meat, fish, wine, etc, as a taboo in dietary habit and freely consume them.
o It was this form of Buddhism which was sent to Tibet in 11th century as a result of mission sent
from the great Vajrayana monastery of Vikramsila in Bihar which was its prominent centre.
o The sect was based on primitive cult and rituals and full of magical formulae. The chief divinities
of this new sect were the ‘Taras’ (the spouses of Buddha and Boddhisattva) and believed that
gods could best be approached through their spouses.
o The Vajrayana tradition of Buddhism spread to China, Mongolia, and Tibet.
o Vajrayana Buddhists recognise a large body of Buddhist Tantras, some of which are also included in
Chinese and Japanese collections of Buddhist literature, and versions of a few even in the Pali Canon.
Zen Buddhism
o Zen Buddhism pronounced Chan in Chinese, Seon in Korean or Zen in Japanese (derived from the
Sanskrit term dhyana, meaning “meditation”) is a form of Buddhism that became popular in
China, Korea and Japan and that lays special emphasis on meditation.
o Zen places less emphasis on scriptures than some other forms of Buddhism and prefers to focus
on direct spiritual breakthroughs to truth.
o Zen Buddhist teachings focus on (often full of paradox,) loosening the grip of the ego and to
facilitate the penetration into the realm of the True Self or Formless Self, which is equated with the
Buddha himself.
Spread of Buddhism and Royal Patronage
o Buddha had two kinds of disciples - monks (bhikshus) and lay worshippers (upasikas).
o The monks were organized into the Sangha for the purpose of spreading his teachings.
o The membership was open to all persons, male and female without any caste restrictions.
o There was a special code for nuns restricting their residence and movement.
o The Sangha was governed on democratic lines and was empowered to enforce discipline among its
members. Owing to the organised efforts made by the Sangha, Buddhism made rapid progress in North
India even during Buddha’s life time. Magadha, Kosala, Kausambi and several republican states of
North India embraced this religion.
o About two hundred years after the death of Buddha, the famous Mauryan Emperor Asoka
embraced Buddhism.
o Through his missionary efforts, Asoka spread Buddhism into West Asia and Ceylon. Thus a local
religious sect was transformed into a world religion.
o Apart from Asoka, Kanishka, Bimbisara of Magdha, etc. from India and countries like Laos, Cambodia,
Tibet, Thailand, some parts of China, Japan and Malaysia gave royal patronage to Buddhism.
Causes for the Decline of Buddhism in India
o The revival of Brahmanism and the rise of Bhagavatism led to the fall of popularity of Buddhism.
o The use of Pali, the language of the masses as the language of Buddhism was given up from
the 1st century A.D. The Buddhists began to adopt Sanskrit, the language of the elite.
o After the birth of Mahayana Buddhism, the practice of idol worship and making offerings led to
the deterioration of moral standards.
o The attack of the Huns in 5th and 6th centuries and the Turkish invaders in 12th century
destroyed the monasteries.
Contribution of Buddhism to Indian Culture
o Buddhism has made a remarkable contribution to the development of Indian culture. The concept
of ahimsa was its chief contribution. Later, it became one of the cherished values of our nation.
o Its contribution to the art and architecture of India was notable. The stupas at Sanchi, Bharhut
and Gaya are wonderful pieces of architecture. Buddhism takes the credit for the chaityas and
viharas in different parts of India.
o It promoted education through residential universities like those at Taxila, Nalanda and
Vikramasila.
o The language of Pali and other local languages developed through the teachings of Buddhism.
o It had also promoted the spread of Indian culture to other parts of Asia.
Similarities Between Jainism and Buddhism
o Both were started by the members of the Kshatriya caste who were opposed to Brahmanical
supremacy.
o Both denied the authority of the Vedas and opposed animal sacrifice, which brought them into
conflict with the Brahmanical orthodoxy.
o Both appealed to the socially down-trodden, the Vaishyas who were economically powerful,
but were not granted corresponding social status, and the Sudras who were obviously
oppressed.
o Buddhism and Jainisin adopted an identical attitude towards trade. Not surprisingly, the first
persons to become the Buddha’s lay followers were the traders.
o Though both did not directly attack the caste system, were nevertheless opposed to it and can,
to that extent, be described as non-caste movements.
o Both did not follow elaborate rituals and ceremonies and thus were not expensive religions.
o Despite their protestant character, neither waged a powerful struggle against caste system and
untouchability. On the contrary, Buddhism appears to have recognised the phenomenon of
untouchability.
o Buddhism and Jainism tried to improve the position of slaves in some ways. The Dighanikaya
advises masters to treat their slaves decently. A Jaina text also states that dasas and dasis,
karunakaras and kamarkaris deserve to be well-maintained by their employees.
Difference between Buddhism and Jainism
o Difference regarding conception Moksha: According to Buddhism, a man attains Moksha when
he ends all the desires and can attain it while living in the world. But according, to Jainism Moksha
is freedom from miseries and can be attained only after death.
o Means of attainment of Moksha: According to Buddhist, Sangha is proper for attainment of
Moksha and they hate self-mortifications and severe penances. Jainism believes in fasts and
severest penances.
o Ahimsa: Cult of non-violence was taken to the point of absurdity by the Jains, while in
Buddhism it remained within reasonable limits.
o Soul: Buddhists do not believe in the existence of soul whereas Jainism believes the existence of
soul in every living being.
o Conduct: Buddhism emphasises the eight noble paths whereas Jainism emphasises Tri Ratna.
o Language of Religious texts: Most of the Jain texts are in Sanskrit and Prakrit whereas Buddhist
text are in Pali.
o Their connection with Hinduism: Jain religion is nearer to Hinduism whereas Buddhism followed
the policy of keeping away from Hinduism.
o Caste system: While Buddhism attacked the caste system more categorically, Jainism did so
reluctantly.
o Royal support and patronage: Buddhism received the royal support and patronage of kings like
Ashoka and Kanishka. But Jainism could never receive strong royal support and Patronage.
o Propagation: Buddhism spread to foreign countries whereas Jainism did not travel outside the
boundaries of India.